11 October 2016

RGDATA: BUDGET 2017 COMMENTS BY RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley

Taxes and Income

RGDATA, the representative association for the owners of 3,500 shops, convenience stores and supermarkets welcomes the measures in Budget 2017 that put more money in people’s pockets. We urge people to spend this on Irish goods in a locally owned Irish shop where possible - this is worth four times more to your local community and will help retain the 90,000 jobs in the independent retail sector. We note the Government has not increased taxes on alcohol but has added 50 cent to the price of a packet of cigarettes.

Town Centre Revitalisation

RGDATA had specifically sought measures in the Budget to support Town Centre Revitalisation and policies to get more people back living in Town Centres.

RGDATA welcomes the additional investment in Rural Regeneration and will be seeking a small portion of this to be spent on Town Centre Health Checks, developing Town Plans and the development of National Town Centre Management strategic support services. RGDATA will be impressing on the various Ministers involved that a strategic plan led approach, not one off projects, will mean we get more bang for our buck and genuine town and village renewal.

RGDATA also welcomes the investment in the extension of high speed Broadband across the country.

Recruitment of 800 new Gardai

RGDATA also welcomes the increase in Garda numbers as we urgently need more visible presence of Garda on our streets to combat crime.

Sugar Tax

RGDATA notes there will be a public consultation on the introduction of a tax on sugar sweetened drinks and we will consult with our members and make a submission.

Ends.

For further information:

Kathleen Cahill, Communications Manager

RGDATA

P:01-2887584

M: 087-6989191

www.rgdata.ie